Exhibit Hall

Now Open on Level 1

KidsTown is a spot where children under 48" tall can explore their world in a town designed just for them. Fun abounds for even the littlest scientist in this pint-sized town. This miniature town introduces science concepts through whole-body experiences, hands-on interactives and opportunities for imaginative role-playing. Water tables, automotive garage, orange juice processing plant and more invite the joyful hands-on creative play that is so important to the cognitive development of young children.

Imagination Playground, an innovative playspace concept by Rockwell Group, is a portable playground made of lightweight foam pieces. Loose parts of unique shapes and sizes foster creativity and design, allowing children to build anything they might imagine. Children of all ages can enjoy creating countless settings and scenarios, animals, robots and more with the kid-friendly, eco-friendly foam.

Through Imagination Playground, deep learning concepts such as critical thinking and problem solving are developed and strengthened. Little ones have fun while also "building" on skills that will give them a competitive advantage in school and one day, a career. As your child imagines, designs and creates, they develop an understanding of balance and other STEM concepts.

Recently, a team from Universal Orlando Resort donated their time and talent to help us renovate the Orange Grove in KidsTown. Here are some photos from their time here. Some of the work they did included:

Repainting the scenery

Fixing the mechanics of the grove

Changed the bike with a John Deere tractor

To our friends from Universal and everyone that contributed to the 5 for the Grove campaign, we can't thank you enough!

Whether we are singing “Old MacDonald”, or even “happy birthday”, we all partake in singing early on in our lives. Singing with your children can not only be a fun experience for the family, but also an educational opportunity for your child. Shown in a recent study by the University of California, it was found that out of the young 2nd graders who were given singing lessons, 27% scored higher on the various tests than those who did not receive lessons. As their brains develop, the use of singing allows more parts of the brain to function while continuing to grow.

Where there is singing, most likely instruments will follow. Your toddler will be having so much fun singing and banging on the drums that they won’t even notice they are multitasking. This is a great way to strengthen physical abilities. The singing and clapping will get them to dance, therefore building endurance.

One last important benefit to touch on is expression of emotions. When they are happy they will sing their hearts out, and pass the joy to the onlookers. Even when they have rainy days, it can be beneficial to pep them up with an encouraging and uplifting melody. And to think, some of these songs will stay with them forever. I learned a song about Alfred the Alligator seven years ago, I still sing about him today.

By Marcus Pfister

A beautiful, conceited fish lives in the deep part of the ocean. His scales sparkle and shine as he swims through the ocean - alone. The other fish attempt to befriend him, but he ignores them until one day when a small blue fish approaches him. The small blue fish tells the Rainbow Fish how beautiful his scales are, and asks for one of them. Horrified, the Rainbow Fish refuses and swims on, puzzling aloud over his loneliness.

A crab directs him to an octopus, whose advice is simple: give away his scales to the other fish and he will be happy. After some thought, and a second request from the small blue fish, the Rainbow Fish takes the octopus's advice and finds friendship and happiness. This is a great book for children to learn about the importance of sharing.

One evening Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight. But there wasn't any moon, and Harold needed a moon for a walk in the moonlight. Fortunately, he had brought his purple crayon. So he drew a moon. He also needed something to walk on. So he drew a path...

And thus begins one of the most imaginative and enchanting adventures in all of children's books. Written by Crockett Johnson, the creative concept behind this beloved story has intrigued children and kept them absorbed for generations. As page by page unfolds, the dramatic and clever adventures of Harold and his purple crayon will keep your child entertained and amused.

Come and explore your creative adventures in KidsTown and maybe cuddle up for a good story!

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